Saliva’s Secrets: Unlocking the Oral Microbiome for Effective Xerostomia Management
Saliva’s Secrets: Unlocking the Oral Microbiome for Effective Xerostomia Management
With Gina Hanzel, RDH, B.S.
Course Description:
This continuing education course is designed for dental professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of the oral microbiome and its crucial role in the management of xerostomia (dry mouth). Participants will explore the intricate relationships between the oral microbiome, salivary function, and overall oral health. The course will cover the latest research on microbial diversity, its impact on xerostomia, and practical strategies for integrating microbiome-centered approaches into clinical practice. Attendees will be equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to improve patient outcomes through effective xerostomia management.
Course Objectives:
At the conclusion of this course, the participant will be able to:
- Describe the composition and function of the oral microbiome, including key bacterial species and their roles in maintaining oral health.
- Identify the impact and the physiological effects of xerostomia on oral health, including its relationship with the oral microbiome and the potential for increased risk of dental caries and periodontal disease.
- Identify the signs of dysbiosis in the oral microbiome and understand how it contributes to xerostomia and other oral health issues.
- Apply evidence-based practices for assessing and managing xerostomia, including the use of salivary substitutes, oral hygiene recommendations, and dietary modifications.
About the Presenter:
Gina Hanzel, RDH, B.S. Vice President of Clinical Operations, OraBio, Inc. With over 25 years of experience in dentistry, Gina has dedicated her career to advancing patient care through clinical innovation, education, and a strong focus on the oral-systemic connection. She holds dual degrees in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Minnesota and later completed her Dental Hygiene degree. Throughout her career, Gina has served in diverse capacities in roles such as office manager, hygiene consultant, and chair-side clinician where she brought a comprehensive understanding of dental practice operations and patient care. After a 20- year tenure as a practicing dental hygienist, she transitioned into her current leadership role as the Vice President of Clinical Operations at OraBio, Inc. In this role, Gina oversees all new product launches and is responsible for the seamless integration of the OraBio product line into dental practices nationwide. She collaborates closely with dental teams to ensure successful product adoption and clinical outcomes. Her strategic insight into product development, marketing, and implementation has driven awareness and accelerated growth across OraBio’s innovative solutions, including Periovance® Dry Mouth Gel.
Gina is a sought-after speaker and educator, recently presenting at the Delaware Dental Hygienists’ Association Annual Session, the North Carolina Dental Hygienists’ Association Annual Session, and the National Dental Association Convention in Kansas City. Her lectures focus on emerging trends in oral-systemic health, clinical efficiency, and the impact of innovative adjuncts in hygiene protocols. Gina continues to bridge the gap between research, clinical practice, and product innovation, empowering dental professionals to elevate patient care through evidence- based solutions and forward-thinking strategies.
Course Details:
Instructor: Gina Hanzel, RDH, B.S.
# of CE: 1
Location: Virtual
AGD Code: 730
Time Zones:
- PDT = 5 PM
- MDT = 6 PM
- CDT = 7 PM
- EDT = 8 PM
- AZ = 5 PM
Saliva’s Secrets: Unlocking the Oral Microbiome for Effective Xerostomia Management
With Gina Hanzel, RDH, B.S.
Course Description:
This continuing education course is designed for dental professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of the oral microbiome and its crucial role in the management of xerostomia (dry mouth). Participants will explore the intricate relationships between the oral microbiome, salivary function, and overall oral health. The course will cover the latest research on microbial diversity, its impact on xerostomia, and practical strategies for integrating microbiome-centered approaches into clinical practice. Attendees will be equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to improve patient outcomes through effective xerostomia management.
Course Objectives:
At the conclusion of this course, the participant will be able to:
- Describe the composition and function of the oral microbiome, including key bacterial species and their roles in maintaining oral health.
- Identify the impact and the physiological effects of xerostomia on oral health, including its relationship with the oral microbiome and the potential for increased risk of dental caries and periodontal disease.
- Identify the signs of dysbiosis in the oral microbiome and understand how it contributes to xerostomia and other oral health issues.
- Apply evidence-based practices for assessing and managing xerostomia, including the use of salivary substitutes, oral hygiene recommendations, and dietary modifications.
About the Presenter:
Gina Hanzel, RDH, B.S. Vice President of Clinical Operations, OraBio, Inc. With over 25 years of experience in dentistry, Gina has dedicated her career to advancing patient care through clinical innovation, education, and a strong focus on the oral-systemic connection. She holds dual degrees in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Minnesota and later completed her Dental Hygiene degree. Throughout her career, Gina has served in diverse capacities in roles such as office manager, hygiene consultant, and chair-side clinician where she brought a comprehensive understanding of dental practice operations and patient care. After a 20- year tenure as a practicing dental hygienist, she transitioned into her current leadership role as the Vice President of Clinical Operations at OraBio, Inc. In this role, Gina oversees all new product launches and is responsible for the seamless integration of the OraBio product line into dental practices nationwide. She collaborates closely with dental teams to ensure successful product adoption and clinical outcomes. Her strategic insight into product development, marketing, and implementation has driven awareness and accelerated growth across OraBio’s innovative solutions, including Periovance® Dry Mouth Gel.
Gina is a sought-after speaker and educator, recently presenting at the Delaware Dental Hygienists’ Association Annual Session, the North Carolina Dental Hygienists’ Association Annual Session, and the National Dental Association Convention in Kansas City. Her lectures focus on emerging trends in oral-systemic health, clinical efficiency, and the impact of innovative adjuncts in hygiene protocols. Gina continues to bridge the gap between research, clinical practice, and product innovation, empowering dental professionals to elevate patient care through evidence- based solutions and forward-thinking strategies.
Course Details:
Instructor: Gina Hanzel, RDH, B.S.
# of CE: 1
Location: Virtual
AGD Code: 730
Time Zones:
- PDT = 5 PM
- MDT = 6 PM
- CDT = 7 PM
- EDT = 8 PM
- AZ = 5 PM
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